Eli the Fish

Eli passed his swim test.. he is now officially a YMCA Fish!  

How the NFL helps teach Geography

Eli and I are trying to get a head start on Grade 3.  Every day we do some worksheets from our Third Grade Essentials book.

Task: If a state is west of your state, color it yellow.

Eli's Answer:  That's easy - that's the Minnesota Vikings.

4 Goals for August

Recently I left my job for various reasons. Since I have some time on my hands I decided I had some to focus on some goals. In random order...

 1. No Fast Food for August. Sure for some of you you may think, "big deal". For my family, this is going to be a very big deal! I will look back in the month of July and tell you how much $$ we have spent - I'm ashamed to figure it out. There are 2 simple reasons for this goal - save money & eat healthier.

So what is Fast Food was the first question we had to ask ourselves. At first I was thinking any place with a drive thru. Then a friend pointed out that Five Guys doesn't have a drive thru. Plan B - The King family has determined that any restaurant that doesn't serve alcohol will now be considered "Fast Food".

 As we are driving through town Eli now gazes out his window asking us, "Does that place serve alcohol?" 

2. Exercise More!  Really, I have no excuses that could even be thought of as worthy.  I don't work, I have a gym membership.  I have a trainer.  I have a dog that needs walking. Every day I must move my lazy ass.

3. Reduce Grocery Spending.  I am ashamed to admit how much how grocery budget is. (Let's not mention how often I go over it)  $1264 per month.  I know - crazy.  This includes all food - grocery stores and eating out.  Well if I achieve goal #1 goal #3 should be easier, right?  I found this image from the USDA and my food budget actually falls under a category.  (Yeah, I'm not the only out of control, disorganized Mom!)  I'm on the Liberal Plan.  I think it would be cool to reach the Moderate plan (say by the end of the year.. let's not go crazy here)

Which column does your family fall under?

4. My list of goals for August would not be complete with out a weight loss goal. Seriously - if I can do the first 3, #4 should be easy, right? 10 lbs loss.. that's the goal. I started at .. wait for it... drum roll.. 240.1 lbs. There it's out!

Do you set goals for yourself?

I don't always meet mine, but I find they keep me focused.

Best Voice Mail Ever

This voice mail is from William, Eli's best friend. Happy Canada Day!

1.77 Miles

Today is National Walk or Bike your Child to School Day.  Eli normally takes the bus but I thought - if the weather is good then we should join in the fun!

Not knowing Eli's walking pace for a distance over 1 mile I figured it would take us about 45 minutes.  Turns out the kid can keep up with me - easily.  Keep in my mind I'm only 5'0" tall - so it's not that much of an achievement.  We decided to bring our dog, Penny, with us.  Turns out that may not of been the best idea.  I'm not sure if dogs are allowed on school property.  My guess is probably not.

Most of our walk was safe with side walks but the portion close to our house has a busy road where cars go about 45mph and there is no curb or shoulder.

Along the way to go to see some turkeys!

We had the chance to see some of the beautiful fall colors.

The weather was a little foggy and the grass was very wet.  We discovered this as we decided to take a short cut through Bay Port High School.

Eli was unsure if we allowed to make this short cut.  Eli, my rule follower.

Our conversations were similar to our bus stop talks - obscure, yet entertaining.  We got a chance to see a lot of school buses.  Eli was obsessed with trying to find his to wave to his bus driver and friends.  Eli was upset to see litter on the high school property, he said it was bad for the environment.  About 3/4 of the way there Eli asked if I could carry his pack back.

We arrived at our destination early - about 15 mins early!  Once we arrived the attention went off of our walk and onto "Oh what a cute dog you have!" from all of Eli's friends.  I mentioned to Eli that having a dog would be a great way to meet new girls.  He just gave me that innocent Eli smile, implying he didn't need a dog to meet girls.

Have a great day at school, Eli!

One the way home Penny and I found evidence of more turkeys.